Cartois

The Empire of Cartois is a massive nation located in the west of Halas, which has for most of recent memory acted as the primary, and dominant Halasian super power. Cartois is the dominant power in much of Halas, with only Hera, and to a lesser extent Rea and Velius, acting as its counterbalances. Geographically the nation lies almost entirely in a region known as the 'Great Cartesian Plain', with over 80% of the nations land being made up of generally flat plains and gently rolling hills. To the north natural forests grow thicker, and the foothills of the Vessonian Mountains begin to dominate the landscape. A few hilly regions exist within the south and central regions of the nation as well, called the 'Argent Mountains' for their brilliant silver tone. This region of the nation is home to many dramatic, and famous castles and fortresses, which often overlook quaint, or eerie communities resting at the feet of these towering spires.

Early History
Cartois included several small Athiian colonies, none of which have survived to the present day. These existsted primarily along the Lilac bay, but were slowly abandoned during the Empire's Decline, and were later destroyed during the Athiian Collapse. The earliest Cartesian states began to form prior to the Athiian Collapse, and existed primarily as minor city states. In specific, the city states of Cartois, Valois, Apremont, Sable, and Lacour existed as significant powers in the region. For much of its early history, Cartois saw a chaotic state of war, and strife during which these independent states fought against one another for control of the nations vast resources, especially fertile farmland, as well as river and sea access.

Quickly several powers began to emerge as the dominant players in the regions early history. In the west the city of Cartois had graduated from city state to that of a minor power, with the conquests of its neighbors Lamrie, and Aire. Eastward the cities of Sabile, and Lacour had carved out for themselves minor holdings from their neighbors as well. But amongst all the powers of early Cartois, one stood out above the rest; the Petty Kingdom of Valois. While the other cities saw minor gains amongst their nearest neighbors, Valois had come to dominate its region entirely.

The region of what is now referred to as 'North Valois' was once the birthplace of the Kingdom of Valois, the first true Cartesian state. Constituting the cities of Valois, Laleno, Mercig, and Turny, the rise of Valois, and its aggression toward its immediate neighbors caused panic within the Cartesian states. A coalition opposing Valois quickly formed, led by the neighboring Sable. While Valois continued it steady expansion into its southern neighbors, and war were waged between Valois and the coalition, the City of Cartois had been left alone, and had slowly begun amassing an empire of its own.

Dictatorships of Cartois and Valois
By NT 109 the Grand Duchy of Cartois was officially formed, as the cities of Cateri, and Sontaneux willingly joined rather than be subjugated by the Duchy of Cosney, a brutal ally of the Kingdom of Valois. In the years following the rise of Valois, Cartois began a period of aggressive, and rapid expansion of its own. Starting with the invasion of Albé, an independent city to its west in NT 116. Cartois was able to quickly overwhelm the Free City whose armies were minuscule in comparison to the Cartesian forces which could draw upon the populations of five different cities at once. By NT 118 Albé surrendered, and also joined the Grand Duchy of Cartois. Many of the independent nations of the west began to grown concerned about the rise of Cartois, which had in NT 121 been seized by the dictator Aurélien Courtial who had begun the process of centralizing state power under himself.While fear over Cartois was growing in the west, the rising dominance of the Kingdom of Valois was the status quo in the east. By NT 140 Valois expanded to the region now around Sud Valois, including conquering the cities of Foulain, and Charrix. The coalition against Valois has proven almost entirely impotent, being unable to secure one major victory against the rising power, thanks in large part to their chaotic system of organization, which encouraged disputes and disagreements between member states. By the late NT 100's, it was often more common an occurrence that the Coalition fought more battles against itself than it did against Valois. While the Coalition failed to halt the expansion of Valois, it did finally meet it match. When Valois attempted to invade Antheux and push it borders westward, the small and rural nation chose a radical measure to fend off the invading armies -- the Duke of Antheux pledged fealty to the Grand Duke of Cartois, in return for protection.

The War in Antheux lasted from NT 164 to NT 173, and ended with a minor Cartesian victory over Valois, the first time the nation had sustained a major loss, and saw its meteoric rise halted. Over the next few decades the region would see Valois' rise continue, as the Duchies of Chaucé, and the city of Ingla from the Duchy of Sable fell into its grip. Westward Cartois' growth also continued, with many smaller states, such as the Duchy of Valprivas willingly join, and as Cartesian Armies conquered Valosian allies such as Cosney, and Ceyresté. Eventually, by NT 213, it had become clear that the battle lines for a great war had been draw, and the peoples of the Cartesian region steeled themselves for what would become the greatest war the region would ever know.

War of the Winter Alliance
See also: War of the Winter Alliance

The Winter Alliance formed from the ashes of the former coalition against Valois, as the Grand Duchy of Cartois had now grown to rival Valois itself. The Duchy of Sable, in cooperation with the Duchies of Droyes, Noché, and Messia, chose to abandon to decrepit old coalition, and instead form a new coalition against Valois along with Cartois, hoping that by creating the risk of a two front war, Valois would be discouraged from further expansion. Soon after its foundation the Duchies of Moureux, Friesen, and Nacré would join the fledgling pact. Meanwhile, Valois had been preparing its own plan to counter the rising Cartesian power. Valois' allies themselves formed the 'Central Union', consisting along with Valois of; Lacour, Apremont Mottier, and Oulmes. From the years NT 213 to NT 227 the two factions remained in a state of cold war, with each side preparing itself for the war both sides knew was coming. Valois, fearful that the Cartesians would soon bring the independent Duchies of the north-west into the Winter Alliance, chose to begin the war on August 3rd NT 288, by launching a surprise raid of the city of Moureux, which fell within a day. Moureux was sacked, and the army continued west to Vernines, where the local army had marched south upon receiving news that the Union attacked. While these forces saw success in the Battle of Salins, they were ultimately forced to flee north upon receiving news that the Union Army had arrived to, and begun to sack Vernines. By the time they had arrived the city had been decimated, and the Union army continued its march north toward the city of Blanzy.

Meanwhile in Cartois, the Central Union launched a surprise attack first with an army from Apremont raiding the city of Cardo (Which marked the Cartesian-Apremonian border at the time). This army would continue onward to lay siege of Sontaneux from NT 228-229, and eventually to Cateri from NT 229-231 where it would remain until the end of the war. Another army from Lacour laid siege to Cosney from NT 228-230, eventually succeeding. Cartois countered this invasion by sending a force from Thiel to Siege the city of Crissey from NT 299-231. With the end of the Siege of Cosney on December 20th 230, the sieging forces dispatched to Crissey where they were able to fully break the Cartesian siege. Lastly, to make matters worse for Cartois, Valois itself launched a surprise assault on the city of Antheux, which was repelled but not without substantial losses.

Cartois attempted to counter the surprise assault by launching the siege of Mercig (228-229), but failed to penetrate the cities infamous walls. The Cartesian Dictatorship, now under Pierre-Antoine Vannier, entered a state of emergency, with half of Cartois' integral territory occupied by the Central Union. The Dukes of Cartois were gathered to meet at the Château de Rouguemont to devise a plan to win the war once and for all. The results of this meeting were called 'The Spear and Hammer' Plan. Cartois was to launch a counter assault from Antheux (Which had just fended off an invasion itself) to the City of Charrix, which was mostly undefended. With the momentum from a victory in Charrix, the Cartesians would continue to push westward, eventually linking borders with the rest of the Winter Alliance at the city of Vins. The plan was put into action in NT 230, with the start of the Battle of Charrix, in which Cartois was able to eke a minor victory.

The Cartesians, bolstered by this plan, initiated a feigned attack on the City of Sontaneux, only to find the city has been mostly abandoned. The force which had initially taken Sontaneux had run out of supply, and were forced to retreat northward to Cateri, a coastal city, where supplies could be imported. This mistake allowed the Cartesians to quarantine the foreign army in Cateri for the remainder of the war, while beginning plans to liberate the city of Cardo on the border. On July 20th NT 230 the Cartesian forces arrived to Larche, and quickly took the city, pushing further north into Valois, where on September 26th, they would meet with an army from Sable, and would jointly liberate the city. Only a month later, on October 30th, this united army would arrive to, and lay siege to the city of Valois.

With Valois in a state of total collapse, Cartois and its allies began the process of mopping with the remaining forces. In NT 231 forces from Blanzy would participate in the Rescue of Vernines, while a Cartesian relief force would first raze the city of Turny, before turning to join the siege of Valois. The war would end with the fall of Valois in NT 239, and the total surrender of Valois and the Central Alliance. The end of the War of the Winter Alliance would mark the true beginning of the unification of Cartois.

Present Day
While the remainder of Cartesian history has been considered mostly quiet, spare for a few conflicts with Vessa, Solian, and a fierce rivalry with the Kingdom of Hera, in the recent era things have begun to heat up again in the Empire. Cartois is currently gripped by a religious crisis, with large portions of the general populace openly doubting the authority of the Hera-based Church, and with many communes adopting their own individual flavors of heresy. The rise of this heresy, and the religious turmoil that has followed it in kind has launched the nation into a crisis of levels not seen for centuries. In response to this growing source of instability, the Grande Armee has opened a new department, 'The Royal Commission for the Defense of the Faith' which has sought to "resolve" the crisis my any means necessary.

The Commission has been effective thus far at stemming the growing tide of heresy in Cartois, though it has come at a high price. Know colloquially as the 'Witch Hunters', the Commission has garnered a reputation as a brutal inquisition which has enacted countless violent, and merciless purges. The Commission employs both talent Soldiers, and contracted mercenaries and bounty hunters who seek out heretics, and force them to convert, turn themselves in, or die. The Witch Hunters have a fearsome reputation, and often resort to violence as their first, and sometimes only, means of dealing with heretics. Horror stories of rural communities being burned, and their inhabitants kill enmass, and branded the with heretics brand fill the air in rural communes, and the mere sight of a witch hunter is oft enough to shut down entire communities. Thousands of individuals within and beyond the borders of Cartois bear the 'Heretics Brand', a symbol seared into the hands of proven or even suspected heretics or witches. The brand is the source of much stigmatization, and individuals with the brand are often outcasts in many of cities of the Heranist faith. The brand is a mark of their betrayal of their nation, and its faith, and it is a mark that will remain with them for the remainder of their life. Many heretics have mastered the art of concealing the brand, which is typically seared onto the top of the right hand, done with the specific intent of making it difficult to conceal.

Another matter of concern that has gripped the nation is the precise status of its ruler, Emperor Christopher Whyte D'Argent. Christopher Whyte was born on April 7th NT 619, however he vanished from the public eye at the age of 37, in NT 656. It has been 95 years since his disappearance, and the 132 year old Emperor is most certainly dead. Despite this, the Grande Armee, and Dukes of Cartois maintain Christopher Whyte's status as Emperor, and maintain their fealty to him personally. To make matters even more confusing, many of the Dukes, and the Marquis of Droyes and Marshal of the Grande Armee Alexandre Levett have made regular visits to the Château de Rouguemont, where the Emperor supposedly still resides, though none of these visitors have stayed. Further, there has been a flurry of rumors gathering around the Emperor's status lately, including claims that he has been seen riding through the countryside, either with a youthful appearance, or as an old decaying corpse which has reanimated and roams his Empire.

More rumors still say that the Château de Rouguemont is inhabited only by some dozen servants along with Emperor Whyte himself, a bizarre rumor for a structure built to house hundreds. Regardless of the truth in the matter, for the last nearly hundred years, Cartois has managed to maintain a surprising degree of stability under the reign of the so-called "Phantom Emperor", and while many speculate the Marquis Levett and the Grande Armee are the ones actually calling the shots, perhaps on behalf of the oligarchic council of Dukes, and that they are simply using the Emperor's name as leverage, it seems that for now they are not confident enough to truly cast aside the powerful and feared name of Christopher Whyte.

Geography
Cartois lies mostly on the Cartesian plain, an area of flat lands and gentle hills stretching from the Cartesian Free State in the west, to the Free State of Solian, and Republic of Solus to the west. The Plain is home to over 19,000,000 people, the vast majority of the nations population, and hosts the bulk of the nations agriculture. The Cartesian plains are littered with by dozens of major cities, and thousands of small, independent hamlets and villages across the entire region, who serve to provide the massive nation with much needed food.

To the north the Vessonian Foothills begin to shift the terrain, changing from wide open plains to more dramatic, steep foothills which rise steadily towards the Vessonian Mountains. This region is sparsely populated, but hosts many dramatic fortresses constructed to defend the nations northern border from Vessa, a nation which with whom Cartois has historically cold relations. Lastly to the south a few independent, and isolated mountains, and their foothills come to suddenly dominate the plains, providing an intimidating view as they cut through the wide open sky. This region has become famous for the presence of dramatic and eerie castles which rise above small, isolated communities in the mountains, acting as fortresses, and outposts for the military for use in the case of an invasion from the south, likely by Hera or Alba. These Castles are typically owned and used as residence by the local Counts or Dukes, whom have gathered a collective reputation for debauchery, and have become feared by the more superstitious residents, as either cultists, vampires, or Phage Worshipers depending on the local flavor.

Economy
Cartois has a complicated, and highly stratified economy. At the core of the Cartesian economy is agriculture, with Cartois exporting many stable crops such as grain, corn, and barely, in addition to other crops such as cotton, and flax. Cartois has also developed a strong system of cottage industry, and in its largest cities has even seen the rise of Rotharian style Mass-manufacture, especially of textiles, and other commodities such as furniture, wagons, and even literature. Cartois produces little in the way of metal ore within its own borders, with mines only existing in substantial numbers on the northern border with Vessa, the small eastern with Rea, and a few scattered pockets near the Tyrian Federation.

Cartois primarily imports its ore indirectly through the many Solisian Trading Companies, dozens of which officially operate within the nations borders. These Companies provide imported metals either from Rea, Hera, or often smuggled out of the Vessonian badlands, where the cost of war, and desperation have driven prices down. The presence of these companies often brings with them a wave crime, and boost the underworld, but they are generally tolerated thanks to the economic prosperity which follows them. Regardless, there have been growing tensions between local authorities and the trade companies, which often overstep their bounds, and sometime have even been known to work directly with the criminal underworld.

Government
Cartois is comprised of 21 Duchies, 4 Marches, 2 Grand Duchies, 2 Free Cities, in addition to the Royal Duchy of Cartois itself. Cartois operates officially as a centralized absolute monarchy, with the Emperor of Cartois, presently Christopher Whyte, acting as the absolute ruler of the nation. With Emperor Whyte's infamous disappearance from public life, and the near certainty of his death many have instead begun to view Cartois as being in a state of defacto Military Dictatorship, with a nearly 200 year old Emperor 'sitting' on the throne. In reality, most believe that Emperor Whyte's name is only in use by the 'Chamber of Officers of the Grande Armee'. Despite the mystery surrounding Emperor Whyte's disappearance, all sitting high nobles in the nation agree, and maintain that the Emperor is alive and well, but will simply not show himself to the public.

At present Imperial Decrees are regularly sent from the Château de Rouguemont, where Emperor Whyte resides. These Decrees are then taken, and enforced by the Chamber of Officers of the Grande Armee, who in turn ensure the high nobles of the realm fulfill their feudal obligations to the Monarchy. In some cases there has been resistance to royal decrees, but the Grande Armee has thus far successfully crushed any potential rebellion before it could start, including by assassinating the previous Marquis de Droyes, and raiding the offices of the Chief Magistrate of the Free City of Aubiet. Many have begun to refer to the Marshall of the Grande Armee and present Marquis of Droyes, Alexandre Levett, as the new Emperor of Cartois, though Marquis Levett has maintained that the nearly 200 year old Christopher Whyte is alive and well, and that he has pledged his undying loyalty to the living Cartesian Emperor. Regardless of this, many view the present state of affairs in Cartois to be that of de facto Military Dictatorship, and many suspect that Marquis Levett is in fact fabricating the Imperial Decrees for his own means.

Military
Cartois boasts the largest, must substantial military in Halas, capable of raising an army of 380,000 men. This is done through a massive, and brutal system of conscription, in which each commune within the nation is expected to provide all able bodied men of ages 16-30 to the military for a minimum of two years of training and service. After these two years, all soldiers are expected to remain available for service for an additional five, meaning should any conflicts break out, they may be summoned to return to the army. This force is officially know as the 'Grande Armee', though outside of Cartois it is often referred to as 'The Legion of Cartois'. Magic is sparsely used for military purposes in Cartois, with the Grande Armee maintaining a force of only 3,500 mages for special cases. This is done to prevent the growth of Cartois small phage population, which could easily be doubled or tripled by a conflict. These mages are typically highly compensated for their service, but are expected to provide substantial magical support. These individuals are typically experienced mages and have spent decades studying magic and are considered some of the most elite Combat-Mages in the world. The bulk of Cartesian Forces come in the form of conventional infantry, which heavily favor pole-arms, particularly spears, pikes, and halberds. The Grande Armee has also effectively employed Cross-Bows, which the nation has begun a process of mass manufacture, allowing the Grande Armee domination in ranged combat.

The Grande Armee is directed by the Marshal, presently Marquis of Droyes Alexandre Levett, and is presently divided into 60 Cohorts, which each major Duchy, March, and Free City providing two of their own. Additionally, the Kingdom of Cartois, and Grand Duchies of Nord and Sud Valois provide five cohorts each of their own, which constitute Emperor Christopher Whyte's personal 'Argent' Banner. Each Duke is expected to command their two Cohorts, usually constituting around 10,000 men total.

Culture
Cartois is often cited as the center of culture in Halas, with its orchestras being world famous, and its wines enjoyed in the courts of nobility as far away as Savoca. Cartesian culture has become a strong influence on nations around the world, and has earned itself a place as a cultural superpower, and perhaps the most culturally influential nation in Halas over all.

Cuisine
Cartesian cuisine is relatively unique in Halas, in that it frequently utilizes ingredients not native to its own borders. Thanks to the presence, and immense influence of foreign trading companies in Cartois, such exotic foodstuffs as Hot peppers from Vessa, Rice and Ithos from Rotharia, and Beer and salted meats from Centra have become regular staples of an upper-class diet in Cartois. The expensive Rotharian drink Ithos in particular has become a recent craze among the nobility, who find its sweet yet distinctly alcoholic taste to be an alluring and exotic break from the bitter wine and beer historically consumed.

While Cartois imports many of its more exotic ingredients however, there is still plenty of room for native grown grains, and of course the world famous wines of the Cartesian plains. Cartesian cuisine is perhaps the most creative, and upscale of any nation in the world, and expensive gourmet restaurants, and luxuries open air coffee lounges, and cafes line the streets of every major Cartesian city. Food and dining, at least amongst the upper classes, is a cultural hallmark, and more a way of life than an entertainment to be enjoyed now and then.

Arts, Music, Literature
The arts have flourished in Cartois since the earliest days of the nation, with surviving plays and poems from the days of the War of the Winter Alliance still being performed, or read aloud in the nations many theatres. Dramatic retellings of the foundation of Cartois have recently taken the world of theatre by storm as well, with dozens of new shows being produced each year, many being met with resounding praise. These shows tend to be dramatic, and historical if albeit exaggerated, retellings of the events of Cartois past, with exaggerated and overly heroic characters, and unbelievable feats of heroism in combat. To top it all off these shows can often last for hours, or in some rare instances even longer, as the play becomes multi-day affairs which often have trained actors spreading the story out onto the streets, where duels will be fought in city squares, and soldiers clad in antiquated armor will sing centuries old war songs in city taverns.

Further, a new craze has recently begun to sweep through Cartois. Literature, long thought to be yet another Rotharian oddity, has arrived to Cartois with the creation of a simple wood-block printing-press. The creation of new novels native to Cartois has spurred interest into the world of literature. Native stories such as 'The Travels of Valéry Cochet', a story about an eccentric Peasant who travels the world thanks in part of a confusing, and progressively more complicated series of misunderstandings. The growing interest in homegrown literature has also seen rise to a small contingent of individuals who have begun translating, and republishing Rotharian works, often under their own name, claiming to be the original creators. Yet still, even now some of the actual great works of Rotharian literature have begun to make their way into Cartois, fully translated, and often even retaining their original titles.

Religion
Cartois historically is one of the more loyal and devout Heranist states in Halas, with the faith having deep roots in the nation. The church is Cartois is governed by the Bishop Armand Michaux, whose seat remains in Valois where the church has found its greatest support. Michaux has been criticized as being deeply corrupt, and has been knowing to abuse his authority within the church to suppress his enemies, and aid his allies. While it is known that Michaux has embezzled church funds for his own personal use, and has virtually drained any charity the church may have one performed to instead fund the construction of an opulent new Cathedral in Valois, there exist far more concerning rumors around the Bishop. Some say that he is in league with the Velians, and his greed is in fact part of a greater scheme to damage the reputation of the just, and fair Cartesian Church. Others still speak of dark rituals in the dead of night, human sacrifices, and horrors unknowable to a sane mind. Regardless of the rumors, Michaux remains a powerful, and influential figure in Cartois as a whole.

In recent years Cartois has suffered from a growing heresy which has exploded in part thanks to the corruption of Michaux's church, and in part to a general distaste for the opulence of the church as a whole. While some of the less radical heretics simply wish to see the church reformed, some more extreme elements of the movement wish to see the church demolished, and decentralized as a whole -- a motion far too extreme for either the Church in Hera, or the government of Rougemont to support. To counter the Heresy, the Grande Armee has taken up the recruiting of Mercenaries and Bounty Hunters, who now roam the nation capturing, branding, and killing heretics. These individuals, now equally known and feared by the title 'Witch Hunter' have garnered a reputation for violence, and carry with them a dark, and frightful air where every they can be found.

Cities
Cartois

Valois

Charrix

Antheux

Valpriva

Andille

Albé

Escames

Aubiet

Cosney

Cardo

Apremont

Montvendre

Vernines

Sabile

Barzy